Helen Anne Gibbs, age 88, of Jordan, Montana, passed away in comfort, on the morning of July 10th at Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City.
Helen was born on August 19, 1928 in Jordan, MT to Milo and Nelly (Milroy) Hammond. She was raised on her family homestead on Flat Creek with her sister Mary Jane. She attended grade school in a one room country school at Flat Creek and graduated from Garfield County High School in 1946. After High School Helen spent the first summer at home. The war was just over and there was a shortage of teachers. Having been asked to teach, Helen went to the courthouse to submit an application. There the county assessor, Frances Hunter, asked her to come work in the assessors office. She worked four years as a clerk, before being elected to the County Assessor position. She also sold tickets at the movie theater and worked at the Garfield Hotel for Jim and Margret Viall. In addition, she was the treasurer for the town of Jordan, doing this work at night for five years. She worked in Jordan for a total of sixteen years until May of 1962.
Helen and John Gibbs were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City, MT on February 21, 1959. Helen and John made their home on the Gibbs family ranch east of Jordan on the Little Dry near Flowing Wells. They were happily married for 39 years, until John’s passing in October of 1998.
Helen stayed active on the ranch tending her chickens, watching the turkeys in the back yard and serving on the Flowing Wells school board for many years until it closed. She contributed many thoughtful hours to the Jordan Museum, where she recounted to many the history of Garfield County. Helen was always engaged in the community and stories of the area and took great pride in recording these. Helen loved to reminisce and cared deeply about those around her. Helen kept tabs on her family, friends, and neighbors. She celebrated their triumphs and mourned their losses as if they were her own. If you had a few minutes she was always a phone call away and she always had something new to say. She loved visitors, the coffee was always on and she could always find some sweet treat. Helen moved into the Garfield County Nursing Home in 2011 and enjoyed the friendly care and companionship she found there.
Helen is survived by her children: Philip (Karen) Gibbs of Jordan, MT; Lynn (Brian) Wittmayer of Fallon, MT; Jim (Jenny) Gibbs of Fort Peck, MT; Lee (Michelle) Gibbs of Circle, MT; grandchildren Cynthia Gibbs; Sara, Alix, Pete and Nora Wittmayer; Quinton and Racura Compton; Johnathon, Jacob and Jenna Gibbs; Sami and Paige Powell; great grandchildren Alexys Wittmayer; Craig Compton; Khayson Weisman; and Tucker Crawford. She was preceded in death by parents Nellie and Milo, sister Mary Jane Hammond, husband John, son Thomas, brothers-in-law Gerald Gibbs and Jerome Haughian, and sisters-in-law Betty Haughian, Delores “Tootie” Gibbs, Birdice Gibbs, and R’Delle Gibbs.
Should friends desire memorials can be made to the Jordan Ambulance Fund, the Garfield County Museum or the Garfield County Health Center.
Meredith Saylor says
Helen was a very special lady. Peace for the family
Pastor Greg Wolff says
Helen was a true friend. Always kind, giving and above all loving to others. She will be greatly missed, I was deeply saddened. She will always be remembered for coming to Sunday Service with her Gideons Bible ready to read and helping me out when I forgot what chapter we were in.
Les and Jerri Thomas says
Such a lovely lady. Always so nice to visit with. She will be missed.
Peggy and Chuck Nerud says
Lee, Michelle, Paige and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We know how hard it is when you had their love for so many years. Please know you are in our hearts and thoughts. Peggy and Chuck
Cindy Stanton says
My sincerest sympathy to family and friends. I always had a hard time calling her Helen, even though she insisted. She was always Mrs. Gibbs to me. She was very sweet and kind and intelligent and I always loved running into her. She will be missed.
Gerome and Rita Wemmer & family says
Our sincerest sympathy for the loss of Helen. Our prayers are with you during this time.
Mitzi says
So sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers to all God Bless you all
Sandra Barclay says
So sorry to hear of Helen’s passing. She was a very kind person. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Mary Alice Murnion says
To the Gibbs families I send my deepest sympathy. Helen was such a kind and interesting woman to visit with. I am sorry to say I have not had the priviledge of seeing her more often than I did in earlier years, and that was my loss. If I wanted to know some history of Garfield County early residents, she knew the answer. I admire her quite unassuming manner, and I know God will enjoy her presence among his chosen ones. Peace be with all the family.
Tom and Claudia Stanton says
So sorry to hear that Helen passed away. She was a very nice lady. Our condolences go out to all of the Gibbs Family.
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
So Sorry for your . You are in our thoughts and Prayers. May you find comfort in Gods Love.
George,Susan,Andy,Kate&Gary Miller says
I only wish that I had come to have seen her last fall. That is my regret, but my memories of a grand and gracious lady are what will always come to mind. May your sorrows be lessened knowing that she is welcomed in the arms of the Lord. My family and I feel blessed to have known her.
Daniel & Audrey Guesanburu says
So sorry to here of Helen’s passing. She was always a kind quiet lady.
Barb Singleton Smalis. says
I just heard of your Mom’s passing. I always enjoyed her so much as she was so much fun to visit with. A true lady….she will be missed by all who knew her. Our sympathy to all the Gibbs family.
Janette Davie says
Sad news, the passing of such a wonderful lady. No words can offer true comfort to her family at the loss of Helen, but our thoughts send loving strength to them at this time.